TICKS ON THE RISE IN DARWIN

We have been experiencing a sharp increase in calls from customers regarding ticks. These pests are well known for poisoning pets and causing a nasty bite to humans. We recently conducted a number of treatments in Darwin’s northern suburbs, Palmerston and some rural areas, in one instance ticks were crawling up the walls internally. Even though we do not have the paralysis tick in our area, ticks can still make your dog sick.

Tick Characteristics

Ticks are related to the same group of animals as spiders. Their body shape is oval but alters once they have fed on an unwilling victim. The tick’s only food source is blood of warm-blooded animals where the most common hosts are dogs, cats, bandicoots, echidnas and possums; however most mammals can be infested by ticks. Ticks require moist humid conditions for survival.

Health issues and problems

Paralysis can result if the tick remains undiscovered. Symptoms include general unsteadiness, tiredness, visual difficulties and weakness of the arms, legs or parts of the face.